AURORA – An old ally and well-known Illinois political figure is among those who have thrown their lots in with state Sen. Chris Lauzen’s congressional campaign.

Former Republican U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald endorsed Lauzen on Saturday night at Lauzen’s It’s a Wonderful Country rally at Aurora Christian School.

“I can honestly say, having served with Chris Lauzen, this man is steel,” Fitzgerald told more than 500 Lauzen supporters gathered. “He will never break his promise to you. He will never sell you out.”

Fitzgerald was known for challenging Republican leadership and for his work to bring U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to Illinois to investigate political corruption.

Lauzen supporters Gail and Jim Myers of the Elburn area said that Fitzgerald’s announcement helped confirm their votes for the state senator.

Supporter Yvonne Dinwiddie of Batavia said she had known Lauzen more than 20 years and cited his responsiveness to his constituents as a reason for her support.

“Chris really is the people’s candidate,” Dinwiddie said.

Fitzgerald was elected with Lauzen in 1992 to the state Legislature and cited their early work together on state budget and pension issues. Fitzgerald also noted Lauzen’s stands on abortion, gun and taxing issues as reasons for his choice.

“I’ve been around a lot of winners,” Fitzgerald said, “and I can tell you this man is winner.”

The former senator is the first big political name to come out for Lauzen. Dennis Hastert, the former holder of the 14th Congressional seat, endorsed businessman Jim Oberweis in December. Lauzen also has been endorsed by a number of other Republican state legislators.

Lauzen said he was grateful for Fitzgerald’s support.

He also was surprised, Lauzen said, by the number of people attending the rally.

“I admire my colleagues,” Lauzen said before Fitzgerald spoke. “But I understand I work for the people in this room.”